Aviation Week & Space Technology

U.S. military equipment continues to top the “must-buy" list for many countries, whether it is the F-35 fighter or P-8 patroller. But Europe is pushing to meet more of its own defense needs, particularly unmanned aircraft. And countries such as Turkey want to build full-spectrum local industries. Including new entrants into the space market, we profile the key programs worth tracking closely.

Rolls-Royce’s strategy of close dependency between its engine development programs inevitably meant that trouble with one potentially exposed the other.

The EcoDemonstrator program continues to provide Boeing with valuable information on viable cutting-edge technologies for future aircraft.

Since MHI is only assembling F-35s, apparently using no domestically made structural parts, the program is not sustaining much of Japan’s skills in fighter manufacturing.

New fund will make the EU the largest defense research investor in Europe.

In this week's Washington Outlook: The bill still faces challenges from Democrats, the bizav and general aviation communities and competition from higher congressional priorities.

Americans must not let the pursuit of perfection stand in the way of achievable improvements for a sub-par ATC management scheme.

Positioning for market rebound, L3’s Strianese aims for 8-10% organic growth and predicts big growth in undersea systems.

UTC Aerospace Systems President David Gitlin talked to Aviation Week editors about his plans for a future of more electric and much more intelligent aircraft.

Digital twins and digital threads will help head off production issues in advance.

Dennis Muilenburg on the New Midsize Airplane, 777X, Bombardier, Trump, Iran, China, Blue Origin and his “audacious” aftermarket plan.

The JSF will be the first stealth aircraft to appear at Le Bourget in 22 years. What’s changed?

After an accident in September 2016, SpaceX is on pace to launch a record number of missions halfway before the year is through.

Integrated aftermarket services are gaining traction, and not just among OEMs

Workhorse parlays developing a hybrid-electric truck prototype for the U.S. Postal Service into a bid for the emerging VTOL air taxi market.

Philippine president seeks another dozen fighters; Indonesia rejects AW101 helicopter; U.S. announces potential Foreign Military Sales to Saudi Arabia; and Leonardo and U.S. Army discuss potential missions for AW609 tilt rotor.

LeBourget visitors will be able to fly aircraft ­virtually.

From Washington, Aviation Week editors discuss proposals for privatizing the U.S. air traffic control system and handicap the odds of President Donald Trump’s new proposal winning passage on Capitol Hill .

Besides the major geopolitical impact, sanctions against Qatar may severely damage Qatar Airways and affect the other big Middle Eastern airlines.

Upcoming aviation and aerospace industry events and Aviation Week Network events

For the past two years, Airbus has been revamping its innovation strategy in an unprecedented way.

Heading into the Paris Air Show, the defense sector is hard to describe—full of contradictions, but also opportunities.

For all the showmanship and hyperbole about reusable 100-passenger spaceships, there is something real behind Musk’s vision.

Spirit and Boeing have been working toward a new master agreement since the old 10-year deal expired two years ago. They still have much to do.

Dassault is optimistic that interest in its Rafale fighter could help counter the weakening sales of its Falcon business jet.